Jammu, Jan 28: The Faculty of Forestry, Division of Social and Basic Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), on Tuesday inaugurated a week-long training programme titled “Forest Ecosystem Health and Climate Mitigation Management for the Future” at its Benhama–Watlar campus.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Ashfaq A. Mir, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Forestry, who termed the initiative “the need of the hour” and lauded the organisers for launching a timely capacity-building effort focused on sustainable forest management.
Providing an overview, Prof. Syed Naseem Geelani, Head of the Division of Social and Basic Sciences and coordinator of the programme, said the training aims to help participants view forests as dynamic living ecosystems rather than merely sources of timber. He underlined the critical role of forests in climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and disaster risk reduction.
Prof. Geelani expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, in absentia, for his visionary leadership and continuous encouragement. He also acknowledged the guidance and administrative support of the Director Planning and Monitoring, and thanked the Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof. A. H. Mughal, for his support and facilitation. Special appreciation was extended to the MSME for sponsoring the programme and promoting green skills and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Akhlaq A. Wani, Head of the Department of Natural Resource Management, highlighted the vast scope of forest-based sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly nature-based enterprises and bio-waste management. Prof. Parveiz A. Sofi, Head of the Department of Forest Products Utilization, drew attention to the significant potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, describing the sector as a promising avenue for future generations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Vaishu Dutt, Head of the Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, who congratulated both the organisers and participants for their active engagement in the training initiative.
